Lunacy Games, based in Seattle, is a remote-first company that prioritizes cooperative games and creating deep, meaningful worlds. Roper, known for his work on popular franchises such as Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, and Disney Infinity, is excited to finally reveal what his team has been working on. The studio’s first project is an ambitious survival RPG set in the Old West, which Roper describes as “Cowboys vs. Cthulhu.” The game combines the graphic fidelity of Red Dead Redemption 2 with the exploration and environmental storytelling of Skyrim, along with survival elements and player freedom similar to Conan Exiles.
Roper believes that Lunacy Games is not just building games, but also building communities. The studio is dedicated to changing how companies treat their employees, with a focus on trust and respect. Roper has observed a lack of humanity in the game industry and aims to bring it back by creating better workplaces to make better games. Lunacy Games practices radical transparency with its employees, where executives share every aspect of the company’s plans and progress.
Despite facing challenges in recent years, Roper remains resilient and determined to create innovative and unique gaming experiences. He has been bootstrapping the company from his savings and has spent the past year developing a demo to showcase the game’s potential to investors. Roper acknowledges that fundraising has become tougher in the game industry’s current slowdown but remains optimistic about finding funding through investors or a publisher.
The Old West survival RPG is currently in the prototype stage and is being developed for PC. Roper emphasizes the richness and depth of the PC gaming experience but acknowledges the progress of crossplay in the industry. The game draws inspiration from classic genres but aims to challenge players’ expectations and deliver a truly unique gaming experience.
In addition to the survival RPG, Lunacy Games has acquired the license for the Hellgate: London franchise. Roper has always had a passion for the franchise and believes that the original game didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. The new game, titled Hellgate: Redemption, will embrace the spirit of the original while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming today. Roper envisions taking the Hellgate franchise to new locations and incorporating advancements in technology and gameplay to create a fresh and exciting experience.
Lunacy Games currently has five full-time employees and additional contractors. Roper is actively seeking funding through conversations with VCs, family funds, investment groups, and publishers. His goal is to build a stable and profitable company that makes great games, focusing on quality as the best business model.
Overall, Lunacy Games and Bill Roper’s ambitious projects showcase their dedication to innovation, storytelling, and creating better workplaces in the game industry. With their unique approach to cooperative gameplay and immersive experiences, Lunacy Games aims to redefine the gaming landscape and deliver unforgettable gaming experiences to players everywhere.
